Shara Bullet surprised Strickland became UFC champion

Sharabutdin Magomedov says Sean Strickland's recent attempt to mimic his flashy striking in training amounted to a pale imitation.

Magomedov, who fights Michel Pereira at UFC Baku on June 27, told Red Corner MMA that Strickland was spotted helping his training partner prepare by copying the Russian's style in sparring. The effort fell short, according to Shara Bullet.

Magomedov questions Strickland's title credentials

"I don't think he can do it like me," Magomedov said, per Sherdog. "But it was kind of an imitation. A pale imitation, though. It would be very different in an actual fight." He added that Strickland is an interesting fighter but said the American's championship run caught him off guard. "I always get surprised when fighters like him become champions," Magomedov told Red Corner MMA. "But he is a hard worker, a native talent."

Magomedov posed a question to his supporters about a potential matchup with the middleweight champ. He asked fans whether they thought he could beat Strickland and claim the belt himself. Strickland reportedly won the title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev.

Magomedov carries a 16-1 record and sits 5-1 in the UFC, rebounding from his lone loss to Michael Page with a decision over Marc-Andre Barriault. Pereira enters their Baku clash off an upset win against Zachary Reese after dropping three straight.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — 'Shara Bullet' surprised to see Sean Strickland become UFC champion